Lumbini Lions crowned NPL champions
Lumbini Lions are crowned champions of the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Sudurpaschim Royals in the final at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Saturday. Chasing a low target of 86, Lumbini reached 86/4 in just nine overs, with 66 balls to spare. Dinesh Adhikari led the charge with a blistering 42 off just 13 balls, while D’Arcy Short added 14. Captain Rohit Paudel contributed 16 to ensure a swift finish. Earlier, Sudurpaschim were bundled out for 85 in 19.1 overs after opting to bat first. Ishan Pandey top-scored with 33, but the innings never gained momentum as Lumbini’s bowlers kept things tight. Ruben Trumpelmann and Sher Malla claimed three wickets each, while Rohit Paudel also picked up a hattrick as Sudurpaschim collapsed from 44/4 to 85 all out. The title marks a remarkable turnaround for Lumbini, who finished at the bottom of the table in the inaugural edition of the NPL last year, managing just one league win. For Sudurpaschim, the defeat extended their wait for a title despite consistent performances. They finished as table-toppers in consecutive seasons and reached back-to-back finals, but fell short again. In the previous edition, Sudurpaschim had lost the final to Janakpur, and this year they were outplayed by a resurgent Lumbini side.
Lumbini Lions crowned NPL champions
Lumbini Lions are crowned champions of the second edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) after a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Sudurpaschim Royals in the final at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground, Kirtipur, on Saturday. Chasing a low target of 86, Lumbini reached 86/4 in just nine overs, with 66 balls to spare. Dinesh Adhikari led the charge with a blistering 42 off just 13 balls, while D’Arcy Short added 14. Captain Rohit Paudel contributed 16 to ensure a swift finish. Earlier, Sudurpaschim were bundled out for 85 in 19.1 overs after opting to bat first. Ishan Pandey top-scored with 33, but the innings never gained momentum as Lumbini’s bowlers kept things tight. Ruben Trumpelmann and Sher Malla claimed three wickets each, while Rohit Paudel also picked up a hattrick as Sudurpaschim collapsed from 44/4 to 85 all out. The title marks a remarkable turnaround for Lumbini, who finished at the bottom of the table in the inaugural edition of the NPL last year, managing just one league win. For Sudurpaschim, the defeat extended their wait for a title despite consistent performances. They finished as table-toppers in consecutive seasons and reached back-to-back finals, but fell short again. In the previous edition, Sudurpaschim had lost the final to Janakpur, and this year they were outplayed by a resurgent Lumbini side.
